Ebonyi State Governor, Mr Francis Nwifuru, has approved the immediate dismissal of all government appointees from Amasiri community, Afikpo Local Government Area, following a deadly attack in Edda axis of the state.
The governor also announced the dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union, removal of all village heads in the community and the dethronement of the traditional ruler of Amasiri.
Nwifuru’s decision came in the wake of a violent assault on Okporojo Community, Oso Edda, in Edda Local Government Area, where at least four persons were reportedly killed and beheaded by unidentified gunmen.
The governor disclosed this on Saturday during an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okporojo, where he met with residents, community leaders, security agencies and government officials.
Reports indicated that the attack occurred on Jan. 29, 2026, when armed assailants invaded the community, set several houses ablaze and fled with the severed heads of the victims.
Visibly angered by the incident, Nwifuru described the killings as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that he never anticipated such brutality in the state.
Announcing the sanctions, the governor said all development union executives, village heads and government appointees from Amasiri community had been relieved of their duties with immediate effect.
He further stated that the certificate of the traditional ruler had been withdrawn, adding that no individual from the community would retain any government position for the time being.
Nwifuru warned that the state government would take additional decisive actions to demonstrate that lawlessness would not be tolerated under his administration.
He assured the people of Okporojo that the perpetrators would be brought to justice, insisting that the lives lost would not be in vain.
The governor urged residents of the affected areas to remain calm and avoid reprisals, noting that further violence would only escalate the crisis.
According to him, the communal conflict had persisted for several years despite repeated reconciliation efforts and boundary agreements, which he said were often disregarded.
Nwifuru said his visit was meant to send a clear message that the state would no longer tolerate disregard for the rule of law or breakdown of order.
Turning specifically to Amasiri community, the governor cautioned against further provocations, warning that continued violence could push the situation beyond control.
He appealed to the people to embrace peace, stressing that violence had never produced meaningful solutions in any society.
As part of immediate measures, Nwifuru reaffirmed the dissolution of the Amasiri Town Development Union and its executive members.
The governor promised that his administration would restore lasting peace in Edda Local Government Area and ensure visible development in the affected communities.
He also disclosed that one of those affected by the sack was the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr Amari Omaka (SAN), who hails from Amasiri.
Nwifuru directed all dismissed appointees to hand over government properties in their possession, including official vehicles, to the Secretary to the State Government without delay.
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media showed houses on fire in Okporojo community, as residents called on the state government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
